Content warning: this update contains information relating to allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct towards children.

AMA Victoria, like the entire Victorian community, is deeply saddened and disturbed by the allegations of sexual assault against children in a number of childcare centres across Melbourne. We recognise that this situation is causing significant distress, including for GPs and their practice colleagues who are central to the response, as well as for members who are parents of young children themselves. We are working to support members by sharing accurate information and maintaining close contact with the Department of Health.

We are organising an AMA Victoria webinar in collaboration with the Department of Health, anticipated to take place early next week. The webinar is expected to provide an overview of the health response and share guidance to support medical practitioners, including information about testing pathways, the role of the advice line, mandatory reporting obligations, and available support services. A separate email will be sent with registration details once finalised.
 

Victorian government investigation information

The Victorian Government has published an information page outlining the investigation, testing pathways, and available supports. This page includes a list of all childcare centres and the dates the alleged offender worked there, public health advice for families, and frequently asked questions. Parents and carers can also contact the Department’s dedicated advice line on 1800 791 241 to confirm whether their child should be tested and to discuss any further concerns.
 

Testing guidance for GPs and medical practices

General Practices and Urgent Care Clinics are the primary providers supporting families seeking advice and testing. According to the Department’s testing fact sheet, testing is recommended for parents/guardians who have received an SMS confirming eligibility. The fact sheet also outlines specimen collection requirements, and guidance on follow-up care.

Clinicians are reminded of mandatory reporting obligations. If you have a reasonable belief that a child has been abused, you must report this as required by law.
 

Guidance for health service employees

The Department has also issued guidance for health services, which emphasise that while GPs and Urgent Care Clinics are the main testing locations, hospitals may see families presenting for testing or support.

Health service staff are asked to:

• Confirm whether individuals have received an SMS recommendation.
• If no recommendation has been given, encourage the family to contact the advice line (1800 791 241) to confirm eligibility or to follow up with their GP or clinic before testing.
• Where testing is nonetheless arranged within a health service, recommended specimens in children < 13 years should be sent via the primary pathology provider to the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory.  

Note: for both GPs and health services, testing is recommended when parents/guardians have received an SMS confirming eligibility. If a family presents without this, please support families to first check the list of childcare centres where the alleged offender worked, including the dates they worked there. This list is available here. If they still believe their child should be tested, please support them to call the advice line on 1800 791 241 so the Department of Health can provide them with tailored testing advice and other supports.   
 

Support for medical parents and families

We understand that many AMA Victoria members who are parents are feeling anxious and uncertain in response to this news. Some members have expressed reconsidering or changing childcare arrangements, which can add significant stress. If you have concerns about your childcare provider, it may help to discuss directly with them their safety policies, screening procedures, and child protection measures.
 

Ongoing AMA Victoria support

AMA Victoria continues to advocate strongly to the Department of Health for clear, timely communication and genuine partnership with GPs and medical practices in managing this public health response. If you encounter issues or have feedback on matters such as communication, clinical pathways, or any of the topics covered in this update, please email Lewis Horton at [email protected]. We also strongly encourage members to submit any questions or concerns you would like addressed during the forthcoming webinar via this address.
 

Support services for members

If you are experiencing distress or would like confidential support, you can access the following services:

• AMA Victoria Peer Support Service: 1300 853 338
• Victorian Doctors’ Health Program: 1300 330 543